3rd degree tear

I gave birth the ds3 in the early hours of Tuesday morning and suffered with a 3b tear. He was nearly 10lbs and it was a very quick delivery. I was stitched up in theatre.

I am very uncomfortable at the moment and am struggling to get in and out of bed. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to make things a little easier and how long did it take before you were back to your old self?

I'm really sorry cant give you help on 3rd degree tears specifically, but I had stitches with all 3 dcs (most recent one 5 weeks ago) and it took me a good 2-3 weeks to feel more normal. Please don't expect too much of yourself; rest, put your feet up, eat like a horse and try to relax.

It took me about three months. Take it easy, I know that's easy to say. No lifting heavy things etc. Sit on a rubber ring or cushions. Have lots of soothing baths and when going to the loo, especially for poo (sorry tmi) don't push too much. Wee in the bath if it stings your stitches doing it on the loo. Take regular pain relief.

Honestly? It took a good 9 months before I felt anything approaching normal down there. Was my first dc so wasn't sure what to expect. Have since had a cs and recovery from that was a doddle in comparison.

Post birth it was difficult sitting so I spent lots of lying down time not over doing things. Found that pads soaked in witch hazel and then frozen helped with the stitches as did baths (when I finally could get in!) with tea tree and lavender. Also had lactulose to make going to loo easier, though not too much as things were a bit difficult to control in that area.

I had a 3rd degree with my DD, and the recovery was shocking. I guess no one expects to go into childbirth and end up with a 3rd degree tear! It took me about 3 weeks before I felt I could go for a walk outside the house. It was about 8 weeks before I felt comfortable enough again to have sex..It will take a long time to recover from. Thats just the reality. Until then, a paracetamol/ibuprofen routine will be your friend. Good luck and hang in there.

Thank u. They have taken the catheter out this morning and that has made things a little more comfortable. I'm just apprehensive about using the loo!! Didn't tear at all with my first two so really wasn't expecting it this time.

I had a 3rd degree tear and a damaged bladder so I had a catheter for 2 weeks. The tear was really painful for a couple of weeks, I only walked when I really needed to and then it was a painful shuffle. After that, it seemed to get better quite suddenly. I had to go back to the hospital to have the tear checked after 12 weeks and it had healed nicely by then. Hope you feel more comfy soon.

Keep the area as clean and dry as possible (to avoid infection), after bath try using a hair dryer on low setting to dry your bits rather than rub with a towel, or if you can lay down on your bed for 10 mins and let it all get some air - probably impossible as its your DC3 but if you get the chance. Salt baths will help as well. You can try putting a drop of tea tree oil on your maternity pad as it has antiseptic properties. I had a forceps delivery and was very bruised for months weeks after.

Start trying to do your pelvic floor exercises now, you may not be able to feel it properly but it will help the blood flow to the area, which will help the healing process. Don't be afraid to contact your GP once you are signed off from the midwives if you feel the need.

Rather than sitting directly, lean or lay completely on the sofa to take the weight off the area. Don't push yourself if you start to ache or feel sore. Take pain killers by the clock (ibuprofen and paracetamol are your new best friends and can be taken while breastfeeding).

Use maternity pads, not just thick sanitary towels the maternity pads are much softer and more comfortable. Only other thing I can advice is ibuprofen (safe to take when breastfeeding) and ice packs to help reduce swelling.I had my dd 3 weeks ago and had a large episiotomy (equivelent to 3rd degree). The first few days were really difficult I couldn't even lie in bed (!!!!) but by a couple of weeks it was reasonably comfortable and now it's absolutely fine. Oh yeah when you have to pass urine pour warm water at the same time to stop it stinging and if you can get hold it put witch hazel in your pads for more comfort.I think that's all I did, hope it's helpful. Make sure to take it easy!!!!!and congratulations on your lo.

It took me a few weeks to recover. I sat on a massive cushion (not a valley cushion, just a big soft cushion). I also cleaned my bits with warm water containing a few drops of tea tree oil. Also use arnica around my bits (not the stitches) to help with bruising. And used massive tena lady pads with a drop of tea tree oil to help infection. And had a big jug in the loo, I could pour warm water over me bits while I did a wee.

Honestly - the recovery from the tear was fine... the idea of having torn to that degree down there was more of an issue than the reality of it if that makes sense.

Physically - well let's put it this way - I have an 11 month age gap between DD1 (who did the fanjango remodelling on her way into the world) and DD2 - DD2 was 4 weeks premature so you can do the maths and work out that things must have been fully operational by that point in time

Incidentally I only had a very minor 2nd degree tear with DD2, despite her absolutely catapulting herself out like a rocket so soon after the first birth.

I've also had a 4th degree tear and I think cravingcake gives very good advice.

Be aware that everyone's injuries are different so that when one person says that they were fine after a few months, another may not be so after a year. Concentrate on the initial recovery and if things aren't right a few months after that, go back to the docs.

I had second degree tearing with my PFB and it was 3 or 4 months before I felt better. I was badly bruised as well and I think that was worse.I was recommended arnica pills and to out lavender oil on my pads and in the bath as they both aid healing.How much good they did is probably debatable but they did no harm either.Be prepared for it to be some time before you are back to yourself. You have been thru a major procedure.

Hello. I had a 3b tear with DD1. Was stitched up in theatre immediately following birth. Quite honestly, I felt pretty well healed (ie sitting was not uncomfortable) within 3 weeks. Probably another 3 weeks after that to feel "normal". I clearly remember at my 6 week postpartum check I didn't wince at the thought of a doctor examining me.

I did take a lot of painkillers in the first six weeks - I think I got two/three weeks of diclofenac from the hosp and once that ran out I took the max daily dose of ibuprofen or paracetamol (can't remember which one is ok for breastfeeding). Don't try and be a hero about the drugs....take them all.

You'll be fine. Well done. Bad tears are a nasty shock post birth.

And to continue the good news story I did not tear AT ALL with DD2. I couldn't believe it. I kept asking thr midwife "are you sure, are you sure?"

Hi! I had 3a tear with DS. Diclofenac was amazing. I also took daily baths with either salt or tea tree in. And kept witch hazel in the fridge to soak my maternity pads in which gave lots of relief.Am 33 wks pregnant now with dc2 and am a little on the totally terrified side but trying to stay in denial!Congratulations on your DS!

Hi, there's some really good advice here. I had a 3rd degree tear with dd after a vbac and was sewn up in theatre.Definitely don't sit directly on it! I did the next day and one of the stitches came out. Arnica tablets really helped the bruising and for about two weeks I would wee in the shower. Used tea tree and lavender in the bath but still got an infection which was like sitting on a wasps nest.I have no incontinence problems now and I am pregnant with DC3. However I will be opting for an Elcs.Congrats and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Nearly a week later and i am feeling much better. Just had stitches checked and they are healing well with no sign of infection. Currently sat on a valley cushion, have been having daily baths with lavender oil and having all pain relief that I am allowed!